Libya mission to be honoured, fears F-35 program could crash unfounded: MacKay

Back from Libya for weeks, Canadian troops will be honoured on Parliament Hill this month for their service in the recent NATO mission, Unified Protector.

The ceremony on November 24 will also feature a special recognition for Lt.-Gen. Charles Bouchard, for his leadership of the operation.

“This is in recognition of what was a significant contribution by Canada in the effort to assist the Libyan people on the road to their future peace and stability,” defence minister Peter MacKay told reporters after the Conservative Party’s caucus meeting Wednesday morning. He called Canada’s role in the mission “pivotal in the transformation that has taken place in that country.”

When asked why Canadian troops returning from Afghanistan have not received a similar ceremony, MacKay said “we’re not finished our work in Afghanistan. We still have over 900 troops there … Whereas with Libya now, this is seen as a completed mission.”

Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan ended in July, though a winding down of operations is expected continue until the end of the year.

MacKay would not say whether plans are afoot to take action in Syria. The Arab League recently joined much of the international community in calling for “urgent measures” to end escalating violence against pro-democracy demonstrators in the country.

“A number of things would have to happen,” for action to be taken against Syria. “It’s a much more complex situation in many ways, given the circumstances on the ground,” he added, saying a UN Security Council resolution would likely be needed again.

MacKay was less vague when it came to the continued troubles facing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

Amid news this week that U.S. defence secretary Leon Panetta issued a warning to Congress about a possible need to cut the F-35 program altogether should the congressional super committee remain at an impasse on the budget, Canada’s opposition parties attacked the Conservative government in the House for not having a “plan B.”

New Democrat defence critic Dave Christopherson attacked the government on Tuesday in question period, suggesting it could be time to “hit the eject button” on the F-35. “When will the minister finally admit the F-35s are an untendered procurement boondoggle in the making?” he asked.

MacKay dismissed worries about the program’s viability.

“This sort of apocryphal language that the joint strike fighter program is coming to an end and that countries are pulling back is not correct,” he told reporters.

In July, Australian defence minister Steven Smith told Australian radio that buying more F/A-18 Super Hornets and cutting its order of F-35s was “an obvious option,” but that the country will take it “step by step.”

MacKay told reporters Wednesday that much of the worry in the U.S. “is brought about by budgetary pressures.”

“Canada, like every country, is concerned about delays in delivery and discussions around the cost,” he said.